New study says high school GPA matters more than SAT scores

Test-focused novels built around vocabulary words to help students “painlessly” prepare for the SAT.

A recent Bates College study found that high school GPA is the best indicator of success in college — not standardized test scores.

The three year study looked at 123,000 students at 33 U.S. colleges and universities that are test-optional. Researchers found that there was no substantial difference in college GPA and graduation rates among students who submitted test scores at these schools and those who did not.

The study included private and public colleges and universities, arts schools, technical schools and those serving a predominantly minority population. All institutions observed the same result: High school performance, not standardized test scores, is the most accurate predictor of college success.

The National Center for Fair and Open Testing reports that there are currently more than 800 schools that do not require SAT and ACT scores for admission.

Isle Bastille, 21, a senior at Cornell University, says this study does not surprise her.

“Test scores are a number that can be a shadow over the rest of your application and it shouldn’t be like that,” Bastille says. “A GPA is also just a number but it takes into account so many different things like all of your classes and studying.”

Martha Allman, dean of admissions at Wake Forest University, which was one of the first universities to make standardized test scores optional in 2009, agrees with Bastille, but says that economic disadvantage can also play a part.

“We believed … that we could evaluate students effectively without the use of SAT or ACT [scores],” Allman says. “There were many excellent high school students, some of whom were from disadvantaged backgrounds and did not have the advantage of test prep or coaching, who were simply not applying to Wake Forest because of our SAT requirement and our high average scores.”

David Lackner, 18, a senior at Deerfield Academy in Deerfield, Mass., took both the ACT and SAT this year. He says he thinks test scores do not tell colleges much about the individual who is applying.

“I looked at Bowdoin College and I really liked that it was test optional because I’m a pretty good test taker but it doesn’t accurately reflect who I am,” Lackner says. “Test taking can really help some people but it doesn’t really capture the whole person.”

Tally Behringer, 17, also a senior at Deerfield, says students should not be accepted to a college just because they can retain information well for a test.

“There is so much emphasis on getting tutors and taking the test over and over to boost your score,” Behringer says. “I feel like my GPA shows colleges what I’ve done over the course over my high school career. It shows I am dedicated and a hard worker.”

Allman says that Wake Forest can now attract students whose test scores may not reflect their academic accomplishments.

“Becoming test optional has increased our racial and socioeconomic diversity and attracted students who are eager to be evaluated on their personal accomplishments, talents and strengths, rather than a standardized test score,” Allman says.

The new study also addresses the criticism that standardized tests disadvantage minority students who do not grow up taking standardized tests, or students with families that cannot afford SAT tutors and prep groups.

Still, some students believe there is value in college entrance exams. Blake Blaze, a senior at the University of Virginia, 22, says that the SAT is a good predictor of college success because it is an objective way to compare and rank applicants.

“It is in some ways an intelligence test and also an example of how much learning a student has already done, which is a combination of ability and work ethic,” Blaze says. “The problem is that GPA is not at all standardized across schools so colleges can’t use GPA as effectively in ranking applicants. From a college’s standpoint the SAT’s are a more reliable way of predicting college success.”

According to insidehighered.com, The College Board released a statement from Cyndie Schmeiser, chief of assessment, who defended the SAT. “The SAT is among the most rigorously researched and designed tests in the world and dozens of internal and external studies show that the SAT is a valid predictor of college success for all students,” she said.

“(This study) gives college admissions offices significant food for thought,” Allman says. “It is a valuable addition to a very important conversation in higher education, ‘do we really need college admissions tests?’”